House GOP fears retirement wave will lead to tsunami

[brooklynite]

The Hill

House Republicans plotting to win back their majority in Congress fear they are on the brink of a massive wave of retirements that could force them to play defense in a high-stakes presidential election year.

Three House Republicans said last week they would not seek another term next year, catching party strategists off guard. Those announcements came earlier than in a typical election cycle, when members who are ready to hang up their voting cards usually wait until after the August recess or after the Christmas break.

Republicans in Congress strategizing to win back the House say the rush to the exits reflects the depressing reality of life in the minority and a pessimistic view of the GOP’s chances of regaining the majority.

“We are in the minority. That is never much fun in the House,” said one senior Republican member of Congress, who asked for anonymity to provide a candid assessment. “The odds are against us retaking the majority.”

Who wants to spend more time in the minority with the prospect of a Democratic President?

[CentralMass]

1. Well if they worked for the common good of the country it wouldn't matter.

[Wounded Bear]

2. If they really worked for the common good, I wouldn't mind if they stayed...

Well not as much, anyway.

[gratuitous]

3. Keep in mind

Elected officials, such as the Republicans in the House, are some of the most sensitive folks to changes and nuances in the prevailing political winds. If they're feeling pessimistic about 2020, we should be feeling optimistic. As in 2018, we should see positive results for our efforts to get more and better Democrats elected to the House and the Senate, and a change in leadership in the White House.

[Scoopster]

4. YOU'RE NOT THERE TO HAVE FUN, BUDDY.

YOU'RE THERE BECAUSE YOU WERE ELECTED TO DO THE JOB. STOP WHINING.

[yellowcanine]

5. If Collins bows out the Senate may be in play also.

I like Democratic chances in 2020.

[Takket]

6. But but... the impeachment backlash is supposed to guarantee them victory!